Autism Spectrum Disorder

By: Adian Elliott

Autism Spectrum Disorder

By: Adian Elliott

What is autism ?

A mental condition that is usually diagnosed from birth to early childhood, characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people.

Body system affected by this condition or disease

central nervous system

the complex of nerve tissues that controls the activities of the body. In vertebrates it comprises the brain and spinal cord.

the immune system

The immune system is a system of many biological structures and processes within an organism that protects against disease.

the Neuroendocrine system

Endocrine glands, on the other hand, release more than 20 major hormones directly into the bloodstream where they can be transported to cells in other parts of the body. The major glands that make up the human endocrine system include the: hypothalamus. pituitary gland.

the musculoskeletal systems

The musculoskeletal system is the combination of the muscular and skeletal systems working together and includes the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments of the body.

Comparison of a normal and autistic body

Autistic Body-Have a hard time socializing, Plays with toys in a odd fashion like lining them up, Have very few purkinje cells, rock, Has a hard time making a relationship, Sometimes speaks but not very much, usually makes noises and uses sign language

Who it affects

Both male and female are affected by autism. All people can get autism. It usually develops in early ages.

How it occurs

Usually this happens when there is a slow development in one's brain. It can happen from birth to 48 months of age.

Diagnosis

Abnormality in the development in the brain. Doctors can sometimes tell when the head size is unusual. Also patients that might have been diagnosed have fewer purkinje cells that a normal person has.

Signs and Symptoms

Playing in a weird fashion (Lining up toys)

Rocking

Does Not make eye contact

Doesn’t respond when someone says the name of the person with autism

Spaces out at random times

Has trouble making relationships

Treatment for this disease/condition

They sometimes have behavioral interventions to help the autistic child by rewarding them for good behavior. Drug therapy can also help with the repetitive behavior.

Prognosis

The average life expectancy of a person with autism is 18 to 21 years. This disease does not cause death, however it does cause a shorter lifespan.

Connections

My brother has autism spectrum disorder and he acts different than my other brothers. He rocks and lines up toys he also puts the toys away and take them back out right after. When he was 1 year old he crawled in the weirdest fashion.

I asked my class how many of them knew an autistic person 60%(6/10) said they knew one.